Call for Papers on Therapeutic Treatments for Genitourinary and Gastrointestinal Disorders for JPET

A special section titled “Therapeutic Approaches to Treat Disorders of the Genitourinary and Gastrointestinal Tracts” is being planned for publication in the August 2024 issue of JPET.

This special section will feature research elucidating pathophysiological mechanisms of genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, aimed at identifying clinical biomarkers, developing diagnostic tests, and evaluating the latest therapeutic approaches to minimize symptoms and disease progression in affected patients. Original clinical, basic science, and translational research pertaining to pharmacological, immunologic, hormonal, stem cell, and other therapeutic approaches to treat disorders of the GI and GU tracts will be considered for publication.

Full-length original research manuscripts describing repurposed or innovative drug interventions, as well as evaluation of existing treatments, drug delivery systems, and improved therapeutics for GU and GI disorders, are especially welcome. Journal editors highly encourage research papers describing innovative models/ mechanisms to test the latest therapeutic interventions, sex and age differences, and preclinical/clinical evaluation of lead compounds. Short research reports on novel mechanisms, signaling pathways, and therapeutic targets for understanding the pathophysiology of GI and GU diseases are also considered. Original articles addressing any aspect of the aforementioned topics will be considered. “Expert opinion” reports and mini reviews on the latest advances in GU and GI pharmacology are also encouraged.

Please send a pre-submission inquiry including title, author information, abstract, and significance statement to JPET prior to full submission. Guest editors Dr. Anna Malykhina and/or Dr. Luke Grundy will review these inquiries, respond to the authors’ comments, and assess whether final approval will be granted for a full submission. There are no submission fees or page charges for publishing in this special issue, and the accepted manuscript version is published immediately online.

All submissions must refer to the journal’s Instructions to Authors, and the submission deadline is December 19, 2023.

DMD Announces New Special Section: “Perspective on Drug Metabolism and Disposition”

The ASPET journal Drug Metabolism and Disposition (DMD) commemorates its 50th Anniversary with a special section titled “Perspective on Drug Metabolism and Disposition.” In Part I of the special section, DMD associate editors share their insights on specific topics within their areas of expertise, shedding light on significant subjects in the field. Noteworthy articles include:

■ “Human Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion Studies: Origins, Innovations, and Importance,” in which Dr. R. Scott Obach and colleagues at Pfizer, Inc., offer a historical review exploring the origins of ADME studies, showcasing the advancements made since George de Hevesy’s pioneering work, and emphasizing DMD’s role as a vital platform for disseminating findings.

■ Dr. David S. Riddick’s review article, “Fifty Years of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Research as Reflected in the Pages of Drug Metabolism and Disposition,” examines the effects of pollutant chemicals on hormone functions and the disruption of hepatic P450 enzymes. It offers a decade-by-decade summary of historical discoveries in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor field.

■ “Epigenetic Mechanisms Contribute to Intraindividual Variations of Drug Metabolism Mediated by Cytochrome P450 Enzymes” by Dr. Xiao-bo Zhong and a colleague from the Univ. of Connecticut explores the role of epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, in intraindividual variations of drug metabolism.

■ Dr. Aiming Yu and colleague’s contribution, “Recombinant Technologies Facilitate Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics, and General Biomedical Research,” highlights the use of bioengineered RNA agents for investigating ADME gene regulation and other areas of biomedical research.

■ Dr. Nina Isoherranen and colleagues’ review, “Impact of Intracellular Lipid Binding Proteins (iLBPs) on Endogenous and Xenobiotic Ligand Metabolism and Disposition,” provides an indepth examination of various aspects of iLBPs, focusing on their potential contributions to xenobiotic distribution and metabolism. More articles are forthcoming in Part II of the special section, providing additional perspectives on drug metabolism and disposition. All content in “Perspective on Drug Metabolism and Disposition,” published in DMD’s June 2023 issue (51/6), is freely accessible through December 31, 2023.